Saturday, January 24, 2009

What Would You Do?

Do you ever get so nervous that you almost want to puke??? Well, yesterday was one of those days for me.

I went to work as usual and everything was honky dori. Everyone at work was happy and it was Friday, of course we were happy..

We have this turn sheet that shows the next nail tech's turn when a customer walks in without appointment. It is fairly easy to use once you learn and get used to how to write it down, but if you miswrite someone's turn, it's like a domino effect; everything and everyone's turn gets messed up. It took me two months until my boss was comfortable for me to handle this turn sheet.

Anyway, I took over my co-worker who went home and I was doing the sheet. I was thinking to myself, "Man, Maki is so smart. I'm getting it and doing it." WRONG! The thing I didn't realize was that my co-worker C, forgot to write down two techs before she left who just started working on clients, but I kept on going. It's my fault, too, that I totally assumed she wrote down before she went home, but it was not really my mistake. Soon enough, one of my bosses realize that the turn sheet was all messed up.

I could totally tell my boss was annoyed (well, she's been really in a pissy mood for the past week or so), that's when Maki's downfall (emotional) began.

It definitely comes from my old childhood experience that I get really REALLY nervous once I make a mistake, so I start to freeze. Once I freeze, then my performance starts to detoriate. It was just a small mistake, but I can't stand myself of making mistakes, especially when this is such an easy job.

My heart was pounding and started to sweat a lot. It was not a big deal really, my other boss was smiling and fixed the problem without saying anything. But I have to tell you, my anxiety level was so high that I started to feel like throwing up. I didn't have to be so nervous, but I had to leave the salon to the outside for a minute or two... I took a couple of deep breath and went back in. Things were back to normal after awhile, but I was totally losing my mind!!

After I came home, I told my husband about what happened today.

JT: So, did you tell them C forgot to write it down?Me: No...JT: Why? Why didn't you explain to them it wasn't {fully} your fault?Me: Because... I felt like if I did that, I was blaming on C and not taking any responsibility? You know the ones always blame others? I didn't want to be that person.JT: But they would think that you made the mistake. If you don't stand up for yourself, you'll lose your job, you know that?Me: Oh C'mon, it wasn't that big of a deal!JT: Maybe, but what if the same thing happens again? Then what? If you don't tell your boss that you didn't make the mistake, they would think that you're the one who keep messing it up over and over again.. Right?Me: Ahem.... I guess so? But C is working there longer than me. I feel like they assume C wouldn't make any mistake.JT: Exactly my point! That is why you have to stand up for yourself.

So, everybody, what would you do if you're in my shoes? Would you tell your boss that the initial mistake wasn't yours? Or do you just nod, say "sorry" and let them think whatever they want without mentioning about your co-worker's mistake?

Also, what are your tactics when you make mistakes at work; what do you do to calm your nervous level?

So, you know when you are having a "I almost wanna puke" kinda bad day? Something good will happen! You receive an award! The lovely Tara over @ The Watermelon Treegave me a new award! Yay for me! I've always wanted this award because it is so lovely!!! I don't know why, but receiving award gives me a pure joy! Tara is also throwing a cute giveaway, so you make sure to check her out!

Now I need to explain what this award stands for: "These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers.Deliver this award to three bloggers who must choose three more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

17 comments:

I understand where your at. Since it's past it's almost like do you go back and say.."I didn't do it, it was C." It almost seems day late, dollar short thing. If it were me I might have said the following day...

"I wanted to apologize for the mess up the other day. Me and C didn't communicate properly when she left the shift and I hadn't realized she had NOT written down 2 techs. I apologize for not doublechecking with her before she left. Please know this will not be a mistake I make again."

One, you admit that you "assumed" she did everything AND it shows them that NOT all the blame is yours.

Just breathe....that helps when it gets stressful. You need to be calm to think what's the best solution to the problem. :)

I totally understand how you feel when you make a mistake...the same thing happens to me. I had a day where it started with me forgetting to ring up one ski jacket out of like the 8 the guy was buying, including pants, scarves, mitts, long underwear etc... And no one was there to help me out ringin and packing stuff up. After the guy left I realized what had happened and I had to tell my manager- he def was NOT happy.

The rest of that day I made MORE stupid mistakes that I rarely, if ever make. I really just wanted to go home after that but I stuck it out...

When I make a mistake and admit it, I just try to remove myself from that area for a little while. Like if I make a mistake at the register, I go over to shirts and just fold and straighten. It calms me down.

I wouldn't go say that C did it at this point. Just go one about everything and make sure to comment on how your going to keep a much closer eye on that sheet.

Awww... that was a rough day! I like the advice that The Rambler gave you above... it was very thoughtful...

Whenever I screw up at work, I usually end up crying in a corner of the bathroom until it's time to go home... It's not that I take constructive criticism poorly, I just hate the feeling of failure or that my boss is disappointed in me...

Keep up the good work, Maki... your boss will appreciate your honesty and hard work... :)

I think you probably should have explained yourself. You could just simply say "I was unsure of where C left off" and apologize for the confusion. I don't think that's placing blame on her as well. Plus it shows that you know what your doing - you just started a few steps behind. Good luck with everything - it will be okay.

Oh poor maki! I hate those feelings. I hope you get to feeling better abot your day. Hug your babies, make out with JT and if all else fails, have a glass of wine. before you know it, you'll feel better!

Oh, Maki-- I get like that too. I would have done a happy medium between your and your husband. Something along the lines of "Oh, I didn't realize that C didn't write those down before she left, I just assumed she would. It's my fault" Well, it's NOT your fault, but you seem responsible and you still get the truth out there :)

What I do depends on the situation. If it's a minor error like that, there's no panic involved. An Im sorry, that's how the sheet was set up when I got there would definitely be said. I'd also point out the error to C..."Hey C? Did you forget so n so and so n so work here too? You forgot to add them yesterday to the sheet..."

Something bigger....I get defensive about it and something huge that I cant do anything about or the management blames fully on me without taking their share of the blame...well THAT'S meltdown city.

Aww that's not fair to you and a tough spot to be in. I would definitely defend yourself because it wasn't your fault but know when to leave it alone too. Sometimes all that defending won't make a difference, which sucks.

The Rambler: Thanks for the good advise my girlfriend!!! I think I'm going to use it "when" something like this happens again - which of course I hope it won't! xoxo

Bella: You're strong woman! I am kind of a chiken when it comes to things like this... I guess I need to learn how to be strong!

BakerGirl: It was my pleasure! Yes, one mistake can totally cause a huge damage to emotional well being for the day... But yes, being calm is the best option..

Lalapoo: LOL. Yeah, maybe you're right, I will explain it next time when and if I ever make a mistake without mentioning about puke part...

melanie: Oh my dear, I'm so with you. I totally lose my mind when I make a mistake. It has to do with a lot of self-esteem as well that I feel they all hate me when I make a mistake which I need to get over...

Laura: I like your approach and I am still learning how to deal with work ethic for customer service.. It's tough!

theoddduckling: I'm glad that you feel the same way - I hope you had a good weekend..

The Eadle Family: I need to learn how to be like you at work:)

Needsleepy: Aw thank you sooo much!!! Miss you too!

Carrin: LOL. Thanks honey!! You're right - those you said would make me feel better in a minute!

Kaitlyn: Sometimes I don't know which one is older; you or me.. Thank you:)

LadyStyx: I guess everything has to be balanced, right?

Bayjb: It's hard to avoid tiny mistakes like this to happen, but I hope I won't be in the same spot again:(

As far as the work thing goes... I'd probably just let my boss know that there was a miscommunication between C and I and we will work together to keep that from happening again. If he wants to know the gory details, just be honest, and if you take a little heat for yourself, the boss will probably see that you are honest and loyal. I'm sure everything will work out for the best.